Joseph S. Bermudez Jr.

Senior Fellow for Imagery Analysis, iDeas Lab and Korea Chair
Joseph S. Bermudez Jr.

Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. is an internationally recognized analyst, award-winning author, and lecturer on North Korean defense and intelligence affairs and ballistic missile development in developing countries. He is concurrently senior fellow for Imagery Analysis at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS); senior adviser and imagery analyst for the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK); author for IHS Markit (formerly the Jane's Information Group); and publisher and editor of KPA Journal. Formerly, he has served as founder and chief analytics officer of KPA Associates, LLC, senior imagery analyst for 38 North at Johns Hopkins SAIS, chief analytics officer and co-founder of AllSource Analysis, Inc., and senior all-source analyst for DigitalGlobe’s Analysis Center. He has authored four books and more than 300 articles, reports, and monographs on numerous defense-related subjects. Mr. Bermudez has consulted and lectured extensively in academic and government environments both in the United States (e.g., National Defense University, Columbia University, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Los Alamos National Laboratories, Stanford University, U.S. Marine Corps University, U.S. Army Intelligence, U.S. Naval Intelligence, U.S. Navy Postgraduate School) and internationally (e.g., United Nations, Israel Defense Forces, International Institute for Strategic Studies, Republic of Korea National Defense College). He has also testified before the United Nations and U.S. Congress as a subject matter expert concerning North Korea’s ballistic missile and nuclear, chemical and biological warfare programs, satellite imagery of North Korean political prisoner camps, and ballistic missile development in the developing countries.

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Launching of North Korea’s Second Choe Hyon-Class Destroyer

North Korea launched its second Choe Hyon-class destroyer, named the Kang Kon, at Najin. This is the second of its largest warship class ever produced by North Korea.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha, and Jennifer Jun — June 12, 2025

Raised Destroyer Arrives at Najin

Recent satellite image shows the destroyer which failed launching at Chongjin has now been moved to Najin shipyard for restoration.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha, and Jennifer Jun — June 9, 2025

Second Choe Hyon Destroyer at Chongjin Raised

Latest satellite imagery shows North Korea having successfully completed the initial salvage operations on the DDGHM at Chongjin.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha, and Jennifer Jun — June 5, 2025

Salvage Operations Continue at Chongjin

Latest satellite image of Chongjin shows the ongoing salvage operation of the vessel assessed to be the second Choe Hyon-class guided missile destroyer.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha, and Jennifer Jun — May 27, 2025